The bill’s chief patron is Delegate Richard Bell, R-Staunton, a retired high school special education teacher and coach. Democratic Delegates Mark Keam of Vienna and Kaye Kory of Falls Church are co-sponsoring HB 1406.

Keam said eating disorders are starting earlier in children because of peer pressure and bad health behaviors.

“Eating disorders are one of those things that we as a society don’t talk about very often,” Keam said. “We don’t think about it very often; we don’t know a lot of people that may be impacted. But unless we make it a positive proactive awareness, we may never know more about it.”

HB 1406 would give parents guidelines that describe the signs of eating disorders and what to look for in their children. Parents also would learn how they can get help if their child is at risk for or suffering from an eating disorder.

The bill also allows for schools to screen for eating disorders. The screenings are not medical or physical but would help identify risky behaviors that might lead to eating disorders.

The Virginia Department of Education will work with the Virginia Department of Health to create policies on providing parents with correct information about eating disorders from informed medical experts.

Medical experts have recognized the need to diagnose and treat disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

In 2010, Dominion Hospital in Falls Church opened what it described as the only comprehensive eating disorder treatment center in Virginia. The center, called Reflections, already has a long waiting list, which demonstrates the extent of the problem and the need for treatment.

Kory said eating disorders are a growing problem. She said parents are the first line of defense and must learn how to tell whether their children might have an eating disorder.

After clearing the House, HB 1406 now moves to the Senate. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Health.

The 10th Annual Filipino Festival will be held Aug. 7-8 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 8200 Woodman Rd., beginning with opening ceremonies at 5 p.m. Friday and continuing with live entertainment, food and exhibits until 10 p.m. On Saturday the festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a full schedule of performances featuring traditional Filipino dance, music and song.

Filipino cuisine, including BBQ, pansit, lumpia, adobo, halo-halo, lechon, empanada and leche flan, will be available for purchase. The festival will also feature a children's area, church tours, exhibits, and health screenings. > Read more.

The Children’s Museum of Richmond last week opened its new Short Pump location at Short Pump Town Center, to the delight of children who attended a sneak preview of the location July 10. The new facility, located under the forthcoming LL Bean store (formerly the food court) is 8,500 square feet in size – much larger than CMoR’s former Short Pump location at West Broad Village, which opened in 2010. The new space includes The CarMax Foundation Service Station, the Silver Diner, a grocery store, a performance stage and an art studio, as well as a giant Light Bright Wall. > Read more.

The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Henrico Police are both presenting community events tomorrow, Aug. 1. The Feria Community Resource Fair at Richmond International Raceway brings together community service providers, embassies/consulates from Latin American countries, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporations that impact the Latino community. The Division of Police’s Community Day will feature demonstrations and displays from police, fire, animal protection and sheriff’s office, as well as family activities, food, entertainment and more. Other events this weekend include wine, chess and theatre! For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.